Teacher makes it big in crafts
Ms Rentilo reading The News Today.
On her secret to her success, Rentillo shares that it's all hard work and prayers. Don't take anything for granted
Little did Amelia Rentillo, a teacher in a Manila seminary know that she will make it big in the handicraft business. When she got sick and decided to slow down, she left her profession.
“My mom called me to help a cousin with her handicraft projects. The Department of Trade and Industry helped us look for people who can produce crafts according to what my cousin wanted as well as technology transfers,” Rentillo said.
Bags made from raffia.
“We secured the expertise of PJ Aranador, an international lifestyle designer who is very active in promoting our indigenous products,” she added.
For a while, they exported in the United States but it stopped when her sister, who made it happen, stopped being active in her involvement. They extended to Canada, but that was also stopped.
Now, Rentillo Enterprises supplies crafts in Boracay and Bicol. The raw materials are sourced from Aklan and Capiz (raffia). “I have a one-hectare plantation of buri, too,” Rentillo said.
Rentillo Enterprises employs five people and they work daily from 7:30 am to 6 pm. Most of them are mothers. “I employ women because they are hard working and the work requires sewing,” Rentillo explained.
On her secret to her success, Rentillo shares that it's all hard work and prayers. Don't take anything for granted. There is stiff competition and you should try to find your niche. “I found my niche in Boracay,” she added.
Rentillo is the president of Hugod Aklanon, an association of micro-entrepreneurs in Aklan. This keeps her busy apart from her business because the association is coming up with three trade fairs this year. The trade fairs promote the products of the members of the association. The products range from crafts, food, plants and flowers.
Rentillo Enterprises can be reached through 0919-2323-722.